Planning Permission in Tower Hamlets
London Borough in London · Last updated April 2026
Tower Hamlets is one of London’s most dynamic and historically significant boroughs, stretching from the Tower of London World Heritage Site and the City Fringe through the creative quarter of Brick Lane and Spitalfields, to the global financial hub of Canary Wharf on the Isle of Dogs. The borough encompasses a remarkable range of built environments: Georgian and Victorian terraces in Stepney and Mile End, converted Victorian warehouses along Wapping Wall and Narrow Street, post-war social housing estates, and clusters of modern high-rise towers that have made Tower Hamlets home to more skyscrapers than any other London borough — 71 completed between 2014 and 2024. Victoria Park, the oldest public park in London, provides vital green space in the north of the borough.
Planning in Tower Hamlets is governed by the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031 (adopted January 2020) alongside the London Plan. A new Local Plan has been submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination (February 2026), with hearings expected in summer 2026 and potential adoption by late 2026 or early 2027. The borough manages planning across an area with approximately 2,000 listed buildings (including 13 Grade I), 58 conservation areas, and two Article 4 directions covering HMO conversions (borough-wide) and commercial-to-residential conversions in town centres and employment areas. The council also has a Quality Review Panel and a Community Development Panel for the Isle of Dogs and South Poplar to ensure design quality in this rapidly changing area.
If you’re planning building work in Tower Hamlets, understanding the planning framework is essential. The Tower of London World Heritage Site’s setting, the high concentration of conservation areas (particularly along the riverside and in the historic east end), and the borough’s significant flood risk from the Thames all create layers of planning constraint. Many properties in the borough are flats rather than houses, meaning permitted development rights for householder extensions often do not apply. Early engagement with the council’s free duty planner service (020 7364 5009, 9am–1pm weekdays) is strongly recommended.
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What can I build in Tower Hamlets?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (59), Article 4 zones (2), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (59), Article 4 zones (2), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (59), Article 4 zones (2), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Properties on prominent corners or in Article 4 areas (Class E to Residential (Class C3) — borough-wide designated areas, Residential (C3) to Small HMO (C4) — borough-wide) | Conservation areas (e.g. Tower Hamlets Cemetery, Swaton Road, Carlton Square), listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Tower Hamlets outside conservation areas | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings, Article 4 areas |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within size/height limits | Large outbuildings covering >50% of garden | Conservation areas (side or front), listed buildings |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties in Article 4 areas or near highway boundary | Conservation areas with restrictions, listed buildings |
| Solar panels | Most properties (roof-mounted) | Panels protruding beyond roofline | Listed buildings, conservation areas (if visible from road) |
| Driveway / hard standing | If using permeable surfacing | Non-permeable surfacing over 5m² | Conservation areas with specific restrictions |
| Garage conversion | Most of Tower Hamlets (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Tower Hamlets's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Tower Hamlets
Permitted development rights in Tower Hamlets are shaped by several key factors. First, a very high proportion of the borough’s housing stock consists of flats, which do not benefit from the householder PD rights available to houses. If you live in a flat, almost all external alterations require planning permission. For houses, standard PD rights generally apply outside conservation areas, but 58 conservation areas impose additional restrictions on roof alterations, cladding, satellite dishes, and other visible changes. Two Article 4 directions are particularly significant: a borough-wide direction removing the right to convert dwellings to HMOs (effective January 2021), and a direction removing Class MA rights (commercial to residential) across designated town centres and employment areas (confirmed 2022). A free Duty Planner service is available on 020 7364 5009 (Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm) for guidance on whether planning permission is needed.
What Tower Hamlets expects from your project
Tower Hamlets operates a Quality Review Panel (formerly CADAP — Conservation and Design Advisory Panel) that provides independent expert design advice on significant planning proposals. The panel meets fortnightly (second and fourth Tuesdays) and typically reviews schemes twice: an initial review and a follow-up. Surgery reviews are available for smaller or more focused design questions. For the Isle of Dogs and South Poplar, a separate Community Development Panel managed by Frame Projects meets monthly on Tuesday evenings. Key design SPDs include the High Density Living SPD (adopted December 2020), the Central Area Good Growth SPD (adopted July 2021, covering small-scale housing in the central sub-area), and the South Poplar Masterplan SPD (adopted July 2021, covering approximately 30 hectares through South Poplar and Canary Wharf). The emerging new Local Plan proposes revised tall buildings policies for areas around Canary Wharf, Aldgate, and Whitechapel.
Local design guidance
High Density Living SPD
Adopted 2020- Central Area Good Growth SPD (2021)
- South Poplar Masterplan SPD (2021)
- Queen Mary University London SPD (2021)
- Reuse, Recycle and Waste SPD (2021)
- Planning Obligations SPD (2025)
- Development Viability SPD (2017)
Local Plan: Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031
Tower Hamlets adopted its Local Plan in January 2020. It supports significant growth in Whitechapel, Aldgate, Poplar and the Isle of Dogs, reflecting the borough's position as one of London's most densely developing areas. It includes policies on tall buildings, affordable housing, and the managed growth of Canary Wharf.
Emerging / replacement plan
Tower Hamlets is preparing a new Local Plan. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022–2023, with a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan anticipated in 2025.
59 conservation areas
Tower Hamlets has a high number of conservation areas. Check whether your property falls within one before starting any work — conservation area status significantly restricts what you can do without planning permission.
Conservation areas in Tower Hamlets
59 designated conservation areas
Tower Hamlets has 58 conservation areas, reflecting the borough’s exceptionally rich architectural and historical heritage. Key conservation areas include: Brick Lane and Fournier Street (Georgian townhouses, former Huguenot silk weavers’ homes, and the multicultural character of Banglatown); Victoria Park (London’s oldest public park and its Victorian surroundings); The Tower (the Tower of London World Heritage Site); Narrow Street and Wapping Wall (historic riverside warehouses in Limehouse and Wapping); West India Dock (the historic docklands around Canary Wharf); Boundary Estate (Britain’s first council housing estate, built 1890s); Tredegar Square (one of East London’s finest Georgian squares, designated 1971); Three Mills (historic tidal mills, partly in Newham); Island Gardens (part of the setting of the Greenwich World Heritage Site across the Thames); and Wiltons Music Hall (the world’s oldest surviving grand music hall). Within conservation areas, you need planning permission for alterations to roofs, external walls, boundary treatments, and removal of trees. Even apparently minor changes like satellite dishes or solar panels may require approval.
Article 4 directions in Tower Hamlets
2 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Tower Hamlets
There are 2,000 listed buildings in Tower Hamlets. If your property is listed, permitted development rights are significantly restricted. Most external and many internal alterations will require listed building consent, which is separate from planning permission. Always check with Tower Hamlets's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Tower Hamlets received 1,058 planning applications and decided 940 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 80.5% is below the national average of 86.9%. Major applications are expected to be decided within 13 weeks, while householder and other non-major applications have an 8-week target. The “in time” figures include decisions made within agreed extensions of time.
Tower Hamlets’ planning approval rate stands at 80.5%, below the national average of 86.9%. This reflects the borough’s high development pressure and complex planning environment, with many applications in conservation areas, World Heritage Site buffer zones, and tall building clusters requiring careful assessment. The council processed 940 planning decisions in the year to September 2025, with a 98.5% delegation rate. Householder applications are determined on time in 94.3% of cases, above the 93% national average. The Housing Delivery Test score of 92% (2023 measurement) means the council faces the ‘action plan’ consequence, requiring it to prepare and publish a Housing Action Plan. Tower Hamlets has been one of London’s highest housing delivery boroughs, having built more homes than any other borough since 2013.
If your project complies with permitted development rules, you don't need to worry about approval rates — a Lawful Development Certificate is a factual assessment, not a judgment call.
Recent planning applications in Tower Hamlets
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Tower Hamlets expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Tower Hamlets's portal →Data from MHCLG planning application register. Search for householder applications (H01/H02) to see extensions and loft conversions in your area.
Housing delivery in Tower Hamlets
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Tower Hamlets delivered 9,685 homes against a requirement of 10,479 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 92%. This is below the 95% threshold, which means Tower Hamlets must publish an action plan setting out how it intends to increase housing delivery. For homeowners, this is a positive signal — the council is under pressure to approve more housing, which can make planning officers more receptive to well-designed residential applications and extensions that add living space.
Lawful Development Certificates in Tower Hamlets
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Tower Hamlets that your project is lawful under permitted development rules. It is not legally required before you build, but it is the only official document that proves your project did not need planning permission. Most solicitors will ask for one when you come to sell, remortgage, or insure your property.
Tower Hamlets decided 175 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 94.3% is above the national average of 93%, which suggests LDC applications are likely to be processed on time. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Tower Hamlets
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Tower Hamlets's website. You will need to submit:
- A completed application form (available on the Planning Portal)
- A site location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
- A written description of the proposed works and how they comply with the GPDO 2015
- The application fee of £258
Tower Hamlets must issue a decision within 8 weeks. If the application is approved, the certificate is a permanent legal record that the development is lawful. If refused, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or amend your project and reapply.
Need help preparing your LDC application?
Our Permitted Development Certificate Report gives you a full PD eligibility assessment, property constraints check, and application checklist tailored to your address and project — so you can apply with confidence.
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Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Tower Hamlets.
Pre-application advice in Tower Hamlets
Free pre-application advice — Tower Hamlets is one of the few councils to offer householder pre-app advice at no charge. Take advantage of this before submitting your planning application. You can typically expect a response within Duty planner: same-day phone advice. Written pre-app responses: typically 4-6 weeks depending on complexity..
Pre-app advice is especially if your project is borderline, your property is in a conservation area, or your home is a listed building.
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Check your PD rights now →Free advice is available for householder applications, changes of use, and small commercial proposals via the duty planner service (020 7364 5009, 9am-1pm Mon-Fri). Submit queries via the online Planning Free Advice Request form. Drop-in is not currently available. For more detailed written pre-app advice or meetings, fees apply. Contact pre.applications@towerhamlets.gov.uk for the formal pre-application service.
Planning fees and timelines in Tower Hamlets
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning permission | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 6-8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 6-8 weeks |
| Full planning permission (no new dwellings) | £548 | 8 weeks |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Conservation area consent (demolition) | Free | 8 weeks |
| Prior approval (larger home extension) | £120 | 42 days |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 per request | 8 weeks |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Tower Hamlets and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Tower Hamlets
Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission. Most extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
Building control in Tower Hamlets is provided by Tower Hamlets Building Control. You can use Tower Hamlets Council’s Local Authority Building Control service or a private Registered Building Control Approver. A free Duty Building Control Officer advice service is available 9am-1pm Monday to Friday (phone callbacks via the Building Control Free Advice Form). Drop-in is not currently available. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Fees depend on the type and scale of work. Contact the team for a quote. Services include Full Plans, Building Notices, Regularisation, and Demolition Notices.
Tower Hamlets planning department
Your building project checklist for Tower Hamlets
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Tower Hamlets has 59 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Tower Hamlets has 2 Article 4 areas. Check your address.
- Check if your property is listed — search the Historic England list.
- Use our free PD checker to see if your project qualifies as permitted development — Check now.
- Consider a Lawful Development Certificate if PD applies — it protects you when selling. Learn more about LDCs or get your PD Certificate Report.
- Consider pre-application advice if planning permission is needed — see the pre-application section above.
- Check building regulations — most extensions and loft conversions need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
- Check Party Wall Act obligations if building near a boundary — read our Party Wall guide or use our free Party Wall tool.
- Notify your home insurer about planned building work.
- Get at least 3 quotes from builders and check their credentials.
Nearby planning authorities
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